B2K singer De’Mario “Raz-B” Thornton and his wife, Mona Li Thornton, are grieving the loss of their 3-month-old son, Astro.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Astro Monte Thornton, cherished son of Mona and De’Mario ‘Raz B’ Thornton from the R&B group B2K,” stated the couple’s spokesperson, David Robinson, in a statement to USA Today on Thursday, September 10. “The family requests privacy during this challenging time and deeply appreciates your love and support.”
The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Us has contacted Raz-B’s representatives to seek further information.
Raz-B, 41, and Mona Li are also parents to their son, Versai Carter Thornton, born in October 2024. Mona Li also has an older daughter from a previous relationship.
In April, Mona Li announced she was “nine months pregnant” while celebrating the conclusion of B2K and Bow Wow’s coheadlining Boys 4 Life tour.
“On stage, people see the talent, the dancing, the performance. What they miss is the pain you endure every night. Yet, you show up and give your all like it’s nothing,” she expressed to Raz-B.
Mona Li added, “Thank you for allowing me to join you on this journey, babe. Nine months pregnant and enjoying life with my man. I know you didn’t just do this for yourself; you did it for your family, your future, and the legacy you’re building.”
In May, Raz-B shared a family photo and revealed that he and Mona Li were preparing to welcome their second child together.
“We’re currently at the hospital getting ready to welcome our newest addition, Astro 🚀👶🏾 another baby boy to the Thornton family,” he wrote on May 16. “Congratulations to my beautiful wife for her strength through this journey. Seeing you become a mother again is one of the greatest blessings I’ve witnessed. The Thornton family continues to grow… and so does our legacy.”
Five days later, Raz-B wrote a heartfelt tribute to his wife, thanking her for giving him “such a beautiful family.”
“Seeing you as a mother, partner, and the heart of this family deepens my love and respect for you every day. Through every high and low, you’ve stood by me and made this journey meaningful and beautiful,” Raz-B shared.
He added, “I value your strength, patience, loyalty, and the love you give all of us. I want you to know I see it, feel it, and am endlessly grateful for you. I love you beyond words.”
The family celebrated their new arrival with a post on older son Versai Carter Thornton’s Instagram account on May 23.
“Best week ever 🥹💙✨ We welcomed my new baby brother Astro into the family, and it already feels amazing being a big brother,” the post stated. “Even during such a special moment, my mom and dad made sure to love on me and make me feel special.”
Raz-B is widely recognized for his role in forming the ‘90s R&B group B2K alongside Lil’ Fizz, J-Boog, and Omarion. The group achieved a Billboard No. 1 hit in 2002 with “Bump, Bump, Bump,” featuring Sean “Diddy” Combs.
